As the City of Gallatin Fire Department's Rescue 1 fire truck returned to the station Tuesday morning just after 9, the crew explained that the last call had been their third call of the morning.

Fire Chief Victor Williams explained that the truck was the department's second busiest truck, responding to only six less calls last year than Engine 1. With recent mechanical issues, the city has invested funds into keeping up maintenance, and last night, the Gallatin City Council voted to appropriate $398,255 for the purchase of a new truck.

"It's just become dangerous to keep it up," Williams said.

The 1997 model has more than 100,000 miles on it, explained Lt. Troy Versluis.

The rescue truck responds to every accident in the city, as well as every rescue call.

Williams said that in the 10 to 12 months it would take for the new truck to come in, the department would be purchasing equipment and taking training in order to increase services.

The department just purchased a swift water truck and several firefighters have taken swift water rescue training. Others have taken rope technician courses and hazmat training.

"EMA is currently handling hazmat calls," said Williams. "But we're trying to be more proactive so we can provide immediate services while we wait on the cavalry to come in."

The new truck will be longer than the current rescue truck, and will have a walk-in cab in the back for equipment storage, Versluis said.

Once the new truck arrives, the current one will be used as a backup, which will hopefully extend its life, Williams said.